On November 1, 1998, Patrick McDonnell published the very first MUTTS “Shelter Stories” comic strip in honor of National Animal Shelter Awareness Week! Over the years we’ve received many messages from readers who said they were moved to adopt or volunteer as a result of this beloved series.

MUTTS creator Patrick McDonnell and The Dodo have teamed up to create a collection of social media-based “Shelter Stories” to promote adoptions for real-life shelter animals.

Here are eight of our favorite MUTTS Shelter Stories strips to celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. Enjoy!

MUTTS is partnering with the Petco Foundation for their May Adoption Event on May 7-14, 2016!

We were touched by the fine craftsmanship that went into this beautiful gift sent to Patrick McDonnell’s wife Karen by knitting designer Karen Eckhoff.